Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/226

 Jasdan.

THE rulers of Jasdan are Kathis of the Khachar clan. In fact, the Kathis may be said to be the original inhabitants of the peninsula— from whom it derives its name— who are considered by the Rajputs to be inferior to themselves.

Prince Veraval, a Rajput, who ruled at Dhonk (now a village under the Gondal State), married the daughter of Visal Kathi. Three sons were born to this Kathi prince— Valo, Khuman, and Khachar— whose names became the patronymics of the three branches of the family. The present ruler of Jasdan is a descendant of Khachar.

Jasdan is a town of very ancient renown. It was originally named Chastan, from Swami Chastan. The Ghon Mahomedans of Junagarh built a strong fortress at Jasdan. It passed into the hands of the Khumans of Kherdi and was seized from Jasa Khuman by Vira Khachar in 1665 A.D. He died in 1685 A.D., and was succeeded by his son, Mansio, who was killed in a contest with the Khuman Kathis, and his setp'brother, Chelo, took up his place. Vajsur, the third in descent from Chelo, was the most renowned of the Khachars. He was so highly esteemed by his brother Kathis that they appointed him their Ghardera (head-man). Vajsur exacted pal or valava (a tax to desist from plundering the State which paid it) from several chiefs. As Harbhamji of Limbdi refused to pay this tax, Vajsur attacked him, and in 1791 A.D. compelled him to sue for peace and come to terms. Vajsur forced the Jam of Nawanagar to submit to his impositions by his ruthless raids in the State. He devoted the latter years of his life to peaceful avocations. He died in 1810 A.D., and was succeeded by Chelo Khachar II, who loved peace and quiet. He died in 1852 A.D. and his son, Ala Khachar, came to the gadi, after him.

The Kathis did not follow the rule of primogeniture, but divided their estates equally among the successors. The disastrous effects of this custom were observed by the British Government on its advent into Kathiawar, and they ruled that no estate was to be partitioned among the members of a family. Ala Khachar was the first, not only to acquiesce in this, but to impress upon his tribesmen the desirability of it. He was made a Companion of the Star 'of India during the time of Lord Sandhurst, Governor of Bombay.

Ala Khachar died in 1904 A.D. and was succeeded by his eldest son, Odha. He is a Chief of the old type and administers his State according to Hindu ideas of government, but his subjects seem to be happy and contented under his rule. The heir'apparent. Prince Vajsur, has completed his course at the Rajkumar College and has been taking a direct part in the administration of the State.

The area of the State is 283 square miles, containing a population of 29,000 souls, and yields a revenue of about rupees 2,50,000 during normal years.

Jasdan ranks as a third class State, and its ruler is, therefore, empowered to inflict rigorous imprisonment up to seven years and fine up to rupees 10,000. In civil matters he has the power to dispose of claims up to rupees 20,000.